US Advises Citizens to Leave Iran Amid Protests – American Bases on Alert

Amid ongoing protests in Iran, and in view of threats from former US President Donald Trump, Tehran has warned neighboring countries hosting US troops that they could also face retaliatory attacks on American facilities if Washington strikes Iran. A senior Iranian official shared this information with Reuters.

Three diplomats reported that some personnel were advised to leave key American air bases in the region, although there were no immediate signs of a large-scale evacuation like the one hours before last year’s Iranian missile strikes.

Trump has repeatedly threatened to intervene in Iran in support of protesters, where human rights groups report that over 2,600 people have been killed in what is considered the largest anti-religious-government protests to date.

An Israeli official stated that Trump has decided to intervene in Iran, although the scope and timing of this action remain unclear. Three diplomats told Reuters that some personnel were advised to leave the US Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar by Wednesday evening.

Trump has openly threatened intervention in Iran for several days without providing specific details. In an interview on January 13, he vowed severe action if Iran executes protesters. He said, “If they execute them, you will see some things.” On the same day, he encouraged Iranians to continue protests and take over institutions.

Iranian officials said Tehran has asked US allies in the region to prevent Washington from attacking Iran. Tehran warned countries from Saudi Arabia and UAE to Turkey that if the US targets Iran, American facilities in those countries could be attacked.